The Chair for Global History (18th to 20th centuries) invites applications for:
Academic Assistant (80% PhD-position)
Department of History, University of Zurich, Switzerland
Starting date: 1 August 2027
We welcome applications from candidates who possess:
- Research interests in Japanese history and/or the history of the Asia-Pacific region from 1800 to the present
- Excellent working knowledge of English and Japanese (to research level)
- Outstanding BA and MA training (including a completed Master’s degree in history or a close relevant discipline by the starting date)
- Commitment to teach at all levels of the Department’s BA courses
- Advanced German communication skills (desirable)
Your responsibilities will include working on your own PhD project, teaching 2 SWS (equivalent to one course a semester), and contributing to the Chair’s activities in teaching, research, international collaborations and academic administration.
Successful applicants will join one of Europe’s leading history departments with thriving postgraduate and postdoctoral communities. The position offers attractive working conditions, including dedicated desk space at the Chair for Global History, and protected research time (50% of the contracted working time). The salary is based on the salary system of the Canton of Zurich. After a one-year probation, the position is renewable for the duration of the PhD (up to six years in total). Starting date 1 August 2027.
Please direct academic enquiries to Prof. Dr. Martin Dusinberre (martin.dusinberre@hist.uzh.ch). Please direct procedural enquiries, and completed applications, to Alicia Schümperli (sekdusinberre@hist.uzh.ch)
Deadline for applications: 6 November, 17:00 (CET)
Applicants should email Alicia Schümperli the following documents as a single PDF file:
- Cover Letter (in English)
- Curriculum Vitae (in English)
- Certificates of Higher Education (BA and MA academic transcripts or equivalents)
- A summary of proposed PhD topic (in English, 1,000 words excluding footnotes/references)
- A writing sample (in English, 4,000-6,000 words excluding footnotes/references)
- The contact details of two academic referees who can provide confidential references if requested.
Shortlisted candidates will be asked to arrange two confidential references to be sent to Alicia Schümperli in advance of their interview. The first round of interviews will be held online in the week of 23 November 2026. More information will then be given on the second round of interviews, to be held before 18 December 2026.
